Roque Nublo hike from Maspalomas with local guides

The day starts with pick-up at one of six points around Maspalomas and a drive up into the centre of the island in an air-conditioned people carrier with no more than six passengers. The first stop is a viewpoint the guides keep to themselves, a short photo stop that sets up the volcanic shapes you will be looking at for the rest of the day.

From there you walk to Roque Nublo. The route is about 3 km with roughly 300 m of ascent, starting at around 1,500 m and topping out near 1,800 m, and it takes 1.5 to 2 hours of walking. It is graded medium, with some steep parts. Sky Rebels is an authorised operator and handles the access reservation that the rock now requires, so you do not have to sort that yourself.

Inés and Juanjo talk about the geology, history and traditions as you go. At the rock there is time to stop and look, plus a light picnic of a Spanish-style baguette, local fruit and a chocolate bar. On clear days you can see across the island and out to the neighbouring islands.

Before heading back south, the group stops for about half an hour in Tunte, in San Bartolomé de Tirajana, a mountain village that gives you a sense of everyday life in the interior. Total time out is about five and a half hours.

• Pick-up and drop-off are at six designated points in Maspalomas: Servatur Don Miguel Adults Only, Cruce Faro, Shopping Center San Agustín, Faro de Maspalomas Bus Station, Estación Parque Tropical (Andén 1), and Av. T.T. O.O. Neckermann, Campo de Golf 4.
• The group is limited to 6 participants, with 2 authorised local guides. Tours run in English and Spanish.
• Included: transport in an air-conditioned people carrier, reserved access to Roque Nublo, hiking poles, a light picnic (baguette, local fruit, chocolate bar) and liability and accident insurance.
• Bring water, the operator recommends 1.5 litres per person, plus drinks, hiking shoes or other closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, comfortable clothes and clothing suitable for the weather.
• Mountain weather is often very different from the coast, so follow the clothing advice you are sent before the day.
• Not suitable for children under 10, people over 70, or anyone with mobility impairments or back problems.
• Drones are not allowed, and no food or alcoholic drinks in the vehicle.
• The itinerary can change for weather, road or safety reasons. If the authorities close access to Roque Nublo, the trip still runs on an alternative mountain route, which may be longer, and this does not count as a cancellation.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• Starting times vary, so check availability. The price was not stated in the material supplied.